Sound Card
Sound Card
The sound card in a computer is an optional component. The computer is capable of running without a sound card but no sound will be available. Most computers come with an integrated sound card, meaning that the sound card is built-in to the motherboard. However for better sound quality, many people choose to purchase a separate sound card. The purpose of a sound card is to allow any sounds on the computer to be played via the speakers. A sound card converts the digital data (eg. a song) into sound waves you can actually hear, which are then output by the speakers. A sound card can also be used to record any audio using a microphone. The sample rate of sound cards is usually measured in kilohertz (KHz). The sample rate is the number of samples of audio carried per second, meaning the higher the sample rate, the better the sound quality will be. However the sound card is not beneficial if your speakers do not support same or better sound quality.
Comparison:
StarTech 5.1 Channels Sound Card
The StarTech 5.1 Channel Sound Card has a sample rate of 48KHz. It is a very affordable sound card and is a great upgrade for the price. This sound card costs around $14.00.
ASUS Xonar DGX 5.1 Channels
The ASUS Xonar DGX 5.1 Channels sound card has a sample rate of 96KHz. It can be used for gaming purposes. This sound card costs about $45.00.
Creative Sound Blaster Z Gaming Sound Card
The Creative Sound Blaster Z Gaming Sound Card is an amazing sound card great for gaming purposes. It has a sample rate of 192KHz! This sound card costs about $100.00.
Bibliography
Tom's Hardware,. 'How Important Are Sound Cards?'. N.p., 2012. Web. 8 Nov. 2014.
Forums.steampowered.com,. 'Just How Important Is A Soundcard? - Steam Users' Forums'. N.p., 2014. Web. 8 Nov. 2014.
Newegg.ca,. 'Sound Cards, Sound Blaster Cards, Creative Sound Cards, Computer Sound Cards, Audigy Sound Cards, M Audio Sound Cards - Newegg.Ca'. N.p., 2014. Web. 8 Nov. 2014.
Forums.steampowered.com,. 'Just How Important Is A Soundcard? - Steam Users' Forums'. N.p., 2014. Web. 8 Nov. 2014.
Newegg.ca,. 'Sound Cards, Sound Blaster Cards, Creative Sound Cards, Computer Sound Cards, Audigy Sound Cards, M Audio Sound Cards - Newegg.Ca'. N.p., 2014. Web. 8 Nov. 2014.